CHAPTER 31: CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN ERYTHROCYTES

The process of passive transport of molecules across a cell membrane with the help of specific membrane protein channels or carriers.

Facilitated diffusion

Membrane transporter protein involved in the facilitated diffusion of glucose.

Glucose transporter (GLUT)

A specific type of glucose transporter found in red blood cells (RBCs) that allows the entry of glucose into the cells.

GLUT 1

Red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen to tissues and removing carbon dioxide from the body.

Erythrocytes

Enzyme that phosphorylates glucose upon entry into erythrocytes.

Hexokinase (HK)

The phosphorylated form of glucose that is produced by hexokinase in erythrocytes.

Glucose 6-phosphate (Glc-6-P)

A metabolic pathway in erythrocytes that produces NADPH and ribose 5-phosphate from glucose 6-phosphate.

Hexose monophosphate shunt (HMS)

A molecule produced in erythrocytes that binds to hemoglobin and decreases its affinity for oxygen.

2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG)

A graph showing the relationship between the partial pressure of oxygen and the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen.

Oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve

Anemias caused by the destruction of red blood cells due to genetic deficiencies in glycolytic enzymes.

Hemolytic anemias

A process in erythrocytes that conserves and replenishes adenine nucleotides (ATP, ADP, and AMP) for cell survival.

Nucleotide salvage pathway

An enzyme in erythrocytes that pumps sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell.

Na+ /K+ - ATPase

Blood cells involved in the body's immune response to injury and infection.

White blood cells